Capanord

[Bobby B-H]

Caponord

I had two 45000 miles on the first one rode year round no pobs at all.
Second one only changed because wife was more comfortable on 1200gs.
I would have no hesitation about another caponord (much better lights)

 

[sproggy]

They said the Capo was crap in town

No they didn't - they said it had a heavy clutch (which I never noticed on mine) and lumpy engine at low revs which is true of most V-twins.

Do not even remotely consider using this machine on public roads between October and April or it will dissolve before your eyes..

Based on what - personal experience? I bought one new in December 2003 and ran it all throught the winter - commuting 45 miles a day, 5 days a week into London (two-up - a great pillion bike and fine in London traffic) except the couple of days there was snow on the roads. The finish held up perfectly well - better than some recent BM's I've owned, actually - with the exception of the spoke nipples which were rusty within weeks. And the paint was deep and of good quality.

The bike is improved by ditching the standard exhausts (with cats) and fitting Staintunes or Remus. Re-map the ECU to get rid of the rubbish standard mapping, pull the forks up through the yolks by 15mm (and preferably fit stiffer springs and heavier fork oil) and cut 3 or 4 inches (depending upon how tall you are) off the top of the screen to reduce turbulence. That'll give you a bike that's great fun to ride and plenty quick enough for a tall bike with long travel suspension.

BUT (and it's a big 'BUT') I sold mine after 6 months and 7,500 miles because it was unreliable - oil pressure sender failed (spewing hot oil all over the rear tyre), the speedo failed on a regular basis, the front wheel bearings disintegrated at 4000 miles (in the middle of nowhere in Spain) and various other 'issues' which I couldn't accept on a bike that was my main form of transport. I had mine when Aprilia were in big financial trouble and I hear that the quality and parts supply has improved since then, but I'd think twice before recommending one based on my experience if you're expecting BM levels of dealer backup. Pity, because when it was working I really enjoyed it and my other half loved the pillion seat - better than either an 1150 or 1200GS as far as she's concerned.

 

[sven]

I had a Caponord and the handling at speed is very, very vague - I totally lost confidence in the thing. The GS is a much better bike, although maybe not as quick as the early Caponord (no cat).

The brakes are pretty weak and the wind noise was also terrible, although a higher Givi screen and a Schuberth S1 helmet helped. My left ear still rings two years on I know a guy who improved his later model Cap by cutting the screen down by 5-6"

They are very comfy though and the finish isn't too bad.

 

[Eastriding2002]

I currently own a Caponord, and so far it has been faultless.

Finish appears OK so far.
Power delivery is very similar to the 1200GS I've ridden, maybe a little more eager at higher revs and not as good <3000rpm.
Pretty comfortable on longer journeys.
Doesn't appear to notice the difference when you get it loaded up.
Handles well too, almost as good as the GS from memory.
The "Allegro" style dash is actually very easy to read once you get used to it, fuel gauge being evry accurate too.
I manage between 45-55mpg which coupled to the 25 litre tank gives a range of well over 200 miles.

I stumbled upon the Capo after many niggles and gripes were pointed out on this site by owners of the early 1200's, and at the time I was reluctant to spend 10 grand on something not seemingly reliable.


So basically it is a very similar machine to the GS for less money. On saying that, I'm still after the GS come 2007.

Andy T

 

[PeeBee]

I ran a Caponord for two years (18000 miles). Superb bike and the best of the bunch I tried at the time [ Tiger; 1150; Varadero].

The problems I had were down to poor dealer knowledge of the bike and a lack of support from Aprilia. The servicing costs are excessive - services every 4500 miles and alternately £250 and £350 costs. Parts, when you can get them, are very pricey and pray you don't need a part during July/August, cause Italy shuts down and Aprilia UK keep no stock!

I just lost faith in being able to rely on the bike; plus I test rode the 1200

The lights are good though.

 

[longdog]

Saw a Capo at the M5 services in January this year. Parked up next to a Capo and had a look. God, it was ratty. There was a thick coating of fur on the alloy, the paint was flat and the engine looked like it had been dunked in an acid bath. Any steel bits were rusty as hell.

The mileage?

9k.

Maybe not a well-cared for machine, but I'd expect a bike to hold up better.

Ah! Just Like a GS then?

 

[Monsieur]

Look here....
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106304

This what your after?